Young musicians are not just making music, they are making a statement.
Through creative expression and collaboration, some SJHHS students are stepping into the hardcore punk scene.
“We try to expand how we play and try to get into egg punk or synth punk, like The Mummies for example,” said the guitarist for Citizen Kane, Hudson Huggins.
Egg punk can be described as playful and is an experimental element of punk music. In a way, it pushes the boundaries of widening the influence. On the other hand, synth-punk became widely known in the late 70s and early 80s. Having the traditional sound of punk but with synthesizer melodies.
Inspiration is key for the band itself and the people who are a part of it.
¨This band is called Catalyst, this one drummer who I’m inspired by back when Catalyst was first starting and had that album ¨self-titled¨. It’s more of a hardcore album and the drummer is doing good work and I really liked it,¨ said the drummer for SFI, Daniel Jamie, a.k.a. Chino.
By creating a band, students are given an outlet to express themselves and their passion. While also bringing inspiration to others.
“We chose to do hardcore punk because that’s what we [SFI] all like to be in, especially Jack the guitarist. He loves punk and hardcore. Nasio, the bass player, is obsessed with hardcore but he also has a passion for punk. I just listen to a bunch of power violence and punk and hardcore a little bit. And Jake, he just loves punk, he’s a punk rocker,” said Chino.
Although Chino and Huggins are the only of their bandmates who attend SJHHS, they all represent the culture of Socal hardcore punk.
Orange County and overall California is the home of some of the most iconic punk and hardcore bands, such as Black Flag, Throwdown, The Offspring, Goldfinger, etc.
Whether they pursue a career in the music industry or not, it challenges the bands´ communication skills and gives an experience of teamwork and the love of music.
¨My future goals would be to make a bigger scene down in SC [San Clemente] with a bunch of other bands and bring them down here with a bunch of crazy good bands,¨ said Chino.
To pursue their goals, promoting their music is key.
¨At first we talk to different bands and try to get them to get us on their lists for shows. It’s just all about communication and getting into different kinds of shows, you also gotta find places and talk to the owner if it’s okay if you’re gonna play a show there,¨ said Huggins.
Networking is a major aspect of a successful upcoming band. That way connections are built and they are brought opportunities to collaborate with larger artists and elevate their profile.
¨I promote the music by putting it on my story and telling everyone to add the band and to show love,¨ said Chino.
Check out these Stallion punk bands on Instagram @citizenkane.tv and @sfi.band
